Checkpoint planned

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The Madera Police Department will conduct a drivers checkpoint with city limits between the hours of 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday.

Officers will check motorists for signs of intoxication or drug impairment as well as proper licensing. When possible, specially trained officers will be on hand to evaluate suspects.

Drivers caught driving while under the influence can expect jail, license suspension and insurance hikes as well as fines, fees, DUI classes and other expenses that can exceed $10,000, according to Sgt. Johnnie Smith of the Madera Police Department.

“Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed two lives and resulted in 45 injury crashes harming 45 of our friends and neighbors,” said Smith...